Take the 'A' Train
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
The lyrics to Oscar Peterson's song Take the 'A' Train is a tribute to the New York City subway line that leads to Harlem. The train referred to is the A train, which was one of the original subway lines that were created in the early 1900s. The song's first line, "You must take the 'A' train," is a statement of fact that reflects the easiest way to get to Harlem. The second line, "To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem," refers to a popular section of Harlem that was known for its affluent African American residents.
The third line, "If you miss the 'A' train," is a warning that implies there are other ways to get to Harlem, but they are not as efficient or convenient. The fourth line, "You'll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem," reinforces this idea. The remaining lyrics are an exhortation to get on the train quickly, as it is approaching the station. The phrase "Listen to those rails a-thrumming" reflects the rhythm of the train as it approaches the station. The song ends with the statement that soon, the listener will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem.
Overall, the lyrics to Take the 'A' Train celebrate the urban landscape of New York City, as well as its vibrant cultural heritage.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
In order to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem, taking the train marked "A" is necessary
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
Sugar Hill is located in Harlem, and can be accessed by taking the "A" train
If you miss the "A" train
If you fail to catch the train marked "A", you will not be able to reach Harlem quickly
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
In case the train marked "A" is missed, other means of transportation will not be as fast or efficient for reaching Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
The train marked "A" is approaching, so it is advised to act quickly and board it
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
The sound of the rails indicates that the approaching train is the one marked "A"
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Everyone who wants to go to Sugar Hill in Harlem, must get on the train marked "A"
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Taking the train marked "A" will efficiently transport you to Sugar Hill, which is located in Harlem
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Strayhorn
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